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Thefts Up, Police Get Extra Hours

ORLEANS COUNTY - A rash of burglaries and thefts have prompted state police to provide 24-hour coverage in this area. Normally, local state police sign off at 2 a.m. and don't come back until several hours later. That is unless something major happens.Sgt. Larry Smith from the Derby barracks said local state police added 24-hour patrols after a gunman fired shots into the windows of mini-marts in Orleans and Lyndonville on Thursday Sept. 8. Smith said no more shootings occurred and police ceased that practice for a few days but started again after the recent burglaries. Last Thursday, Sept. 15, thieves attempted to enter the Coventry Village School, European Auto Works, Central Farm and and Tire, and Poginy's garage. Items taken include GPS units and car stereos. Smith believes these crimes are related because they're in the same area. He doesn't think the break-ins on Sept. 16 at a residence on the 4-H Road in Derby or the Glover Community School are connected.On Friday Sept. 16., David Riendeau reported that thieves stole a Macintosh G5, a rifle and a safe from his home in Craftsbury. Richard Despins of Danville reported that someone stole two milking goats from his property. Despins told police the goats are valued at around $400 each.Sgt. Smith said the burglary happened during the day while the thefts that targeted area businesses happened at night.Thieves also targeted three vehicles and stole electronic equipment from cars parked at 32 Stagecoach Road in Irasburg. The thefts occurred sometime between 11:30 p.m. on Sept 14 and 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 16. "We always get a string of those anyway," said Smith, referring to the thefts from cars. Police are also looking for the person who stole a 2004 Jeep from a home in Derby Line, Lori Kelley reported to police that someone took her vehicle while it was parked in her driveway. Later, police located the Jeep on the Coventry Station Road. The thief did not damage the vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vermont State Police in Derby at 334-8881, 802-748-3111 or Northeast Kingdom Crime Stoppers at 802-748-2222.